Both in cinemas or in the pages of books, the interest in the life of the figures mobilize readers and fans. We talked to biographers, filmmakers, critic, booklet and psychoanalyst to understand the phenomenon
They say that we should not know our idols not to disappoint us when they realize that they are also human – who make errors, suffer, repentant, continue to make mistakes. But to see from the number of Biographies In bookstores and in the quantity of Cine Streets in cinemas, this is not a advice we follow.
What’s behind the Boom of biographies?
According to the journalist Elias Awad, author of Oscar Schmidt: 14 reasons to live, win and be happy (new century)People read biographies for “personal or professional growth” and interest arises from the curiosity that this story can arouse. Another secret of the success of such a book, according to the author, is the accessible language. And, of course, have something that confuses with the reader.
Julio Maria, journalist specialized in music and author of Elis Regina: nothing will be like beforewho has just earned a new edition of Compania das letras, he believes that the interest of people for biographies can be explained by the fact that the work shows that the famous are also normal people, generating a reader identification with the biographer.
“He is stimulating because people find themselves in the lives of others. I think knowing the victories is not even so stimulating, but knowing defeats and waterfalls can be more stimulating than knowing that that myth is wonderful, unattainable,
One of the best known bookstores in San Paolo, Cida Saldanhawho works in the village bookshop, he has already witnessed the ups and downs of the genre, but guarantees: the biography does not go out of fashion. There are waves of interest, depending on the topic increasing at the moment or of what is happening in the world, but some titles will always be sought by customers.
An example of biography of the bestsellers it gives is Looking for mein which actress Viola Davis Tell your overcoming story. The work is 2022 and it is not just a success in the village. This Monday 19, almost three years after the release, the book is the fourth more sale on the list of biographies and cases of Amazon.
Cida provides a second example and explains that when a series or a biographical film comes out to sell the books in which they were based or other titles on the person represented greatly. “I’m still here Marcelo Rubens Paiva is on the rise now, even if it is a book that has been published in 2015?, Comments. And again: if you open the Amazon website now, the book that gave rise to the film that has earned Brazil your first Oscar, is the third on the list.
But it doesn’t stop there. The bookseller said that in the wake of the film and the book on Eunice Paiva, other titles and biographies, in particular involving the military dictatorship in Brazil, also had good sales results.
Cinebography in cinemas and streaming
Biographies also dominate cinemas, with films that sooner or later will be seen and reviewed at home. One of these examples is Maria CallasFilm with Angelina Jolie who plays one of the greatest work singers of all time, who competed for the main prizes of last season and has just debuted in first videos (see other previews).
Looking at national cinema, in 2023 the Brazilians were brought to cinemas to look at the history of Gal Costa be counted on My name is Gal. With Sophie Charlotte Give life to the singer.
The biography directed by Dandara Ferreira and Lô Poli He began to be produced before Gal Costa died on November 9, 2022.
Dandara revealed that the greatest challenge of production was the possibility of transmitting the conflicts of Gal on cinematographic screens, since the singer’s anxieties were internal. He also admitted that some scenes have been modified to better portray some aspects of the artist’s life.
“A good biography goes beyond the simple question of narrating the events of a person’s life. I think they must find a point of view, a cutout, highlight the internal and external conflicts of the character and create an engaging emotional journey,” he said.
The director also stated that a good biography is not limited to the linearity of the facts. “He must worry about exploring the subjectivity, dilemmas and contradictions of the portrayed figure,” he says. And it must transform an event, which would be substantially narrated in a book, a dramaturgy through visual language so that the public is attracted and is connected to the story told.
What explains the success of biographies?
Luiz Zanin Oricchio, cinematographic critic and collaborator of EstadãoHe believes that the success of the Cinebograms is determined by the talent of those who write the script and directs the film.
“Biographies often mitigate or distort the image of the approached people. But the best are the most balanced, who do not sanctify the character or leave him on his aura, because they are generally people who have played extraordinary things or have played an important role in historical moments.”
For him, the growth of interest in biographies can be justified by the approaches used to interpret the characters more complexly, without sanctifying or condemning them, so that the public can identify with the biographer.
Sérgio Telles, psychoanalyst and author of works such as The psychoanalyst goes to the cinemaHe explained that the interest and curiosity in the lives of other people are normal and that it is part of the emotional relationships that establish the social bond.
“In a community, there is a permanent exchange of information, news, shipping on their participants, who can approach them as friends or separate them as enemies. The interest in other people expresses the permanent game and identification game we do, something we are deciphered.
For him, the charm derives precisely from identification. “It is reassuring to think that the weight of the past, the turmoil of the present, the puzzle of the future, which so often leaves us confused and lost, can be tamed and that others have suffered the same suffering and have managed to trace their destinations, finding meaning for life, when often it seems to have anyone,” he added.
Not to mention, he concludes, with the comfort that biographies can provide readers by showing the human dimension of the personalities portrayed. Famous like her.
*Intern under the supervision of Charle Morais
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
